Bihar MLC polls: 5 sitting MLCs lose, JSP wins first seat
Biennial polls for eight Bihar Legislative Council seats resulted in significant upsets, with five sitting MLCs, including from BJP and Congress, losing. The fledgling Jan Suraaj Party secured its first victory. BJP won three seats, Independents two, while RJD, Jan Suraaj, and JD(U) each secured one. The results highlighted infighting within the INDIA bloc and a strong performance by new political forces.
Aisshpra Gems & Jewels Marks Major Expansion with Four New Showrooms in One Day
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 28: Aisshpra Gems & Jewels, a jewellery retail brand with a legacy dating back to 1940, has expanded its retail presence by opening four new showrooms in a single day across Bahraich, Bettiah, Lucknow and Mirzapur. With these launches, the company's store network has grown from 16 to 20 stores. It aims to expand this network to 30 stores by March 2028, strengthening its presence across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Cyclone Arnab weakened after making landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast and is expected to affect weather conditions. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecasted in various states including Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Thunderstorms, hailstorms, lightning, and strong winds are likely across several regions of India. The India Meteorological Department is monitoring the cyclone's movement and updates accordingly. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and prepared for harsh weather.
Cyclone Arnab Weakens, IMD Chief Warns Of Flooding Risk | Exclusive
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra explains Cyclone Arnab's movement, its landfall and its weakening from a very severe to a severe cyclonic storm. Andhra Pradesh has been the worst affected, followed by Odisha. The IMD chief warns that risks will persist while wind speeds remain high, advises fishermen to stay away from the sea and urges people in affected areas to remain indoors unless necessary. Rainfall warnings have also been issued for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for October 29 and 30, with heavy rain posing a risk of localised flooding and inundation in low-lying areas. Watch the exclusive interview for the latest on Cyclone Arnab and the IMD's warnings.
Council poll wins cheer NDA, Neerajs victory lifts JD(U) spirits
Congress Scores Zero In 4-State MLC Polls, BJP Turns Up The Heat | Top News Of Oct 28, 2026
The BJP has intensified its attack on Congress after the party failed to win a single seat in MLC elections across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at Congress over its zero-seat tally, while BJP chief Nitin Nabin and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis mocked the partys performance.
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Dont blame the process, introspect: Rajasthan CM advises Congress on MLC poll defeat
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Oct 28 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has criticised the Congress for questioning the electoral process following repeated election defeats, saying the party should introspect on its leadership, policies and declining public support instead of blaming the system. Sharma said that whether elections are conducted through ballot papers or Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), questioning the process cannot change the people's mandate when voters have distanced themselves from a political party. He cited elections to 28 Legislative Council (MLC) seats in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka, conducted using ballot papers, to question the Congress's electoral performance. He said the results should prompt the party to examine the reasons behind its setbacks rather than raise questions about the electoral process. The Chief Minister alleged that despite repeated electoral defeats, the Congress was unwilling to acknowledge its weaknesses or establish accountability within its leadership. Instead of undertaking a serious review of its performance, the party was questioning the electoral system, he said. Sharma maintained that the Congress needed to look beyond EVMs and assess its leadership, policies and diminishing support among voters to understand the reasons for its electoral losses. Emphasising the importance of democratic values, Sharma said the people's verdict was paramount in a democracy and every political party had a responsibility to respect it. He argued that accepting the mandate and taking responsibility for electoral setbacks were essential to maintaining democratic conventions. The Chief Minister also called on the Congress to undertake introspection and identify the factors contributing to its declining electoral fortunes. According to him, questioning the electoral process without addressing internal weaknesses would not help the party regain public confidence. Sharma's remarks come amid the continuing political debate over electoral accountability and allegations concerning the voting process. His criticism centred on the need for political parties to accept election results and focus on strengthening their connection with voters. He reiterated that the Congress should identify the shortcomings in its leadership and policies rather than attribute its defeats to the electoral system, stressing that public trust remained central to electoral success
'Guess how many seats Congress won?: PM Modi mocks Rahul Gandhi's party
In a post on X, PM Modi said, MLC elections in 28 seats across four big states Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. Elections were held using ballot papers. Guess how many seats Congress won
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People rejected anarchistic politics: Nitin Nabin on Congs zero score in MLC polls
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party national president Nitin Nabin on Wednesday claimed that the Congress had scored zero on ballot papers in the recent MLC elections held in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, asserting that the public was repeatedly rejecting what he termed the partys anarchistic politics. In a post on X, Nabin said the results showed that whether through EVMs or ballot papers, the peoples trust and blessings remained firmly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congresss score on ballot papers too is 0 in the MLC elections of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh! The public is repeatedly rejecting Congresss anarchistic politics outright. Be it EVM or ballot, the publics trust and blessings are only with the honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendramodi ji, he wrote. The BJP presidents remarks come in the backdrop of the oppositions sustained campaign questioning the integrity of electronic voting machines and alleging large-scale electoral irregularities. By highlighting the Congresss poor performance even in elections conducted through the traditional ballot system, Nabin sought to counter the oppositions narrative against EVMs. Party leaders interpreted the results as a clear endorsement of the Modi governments policies and a rejection of the Congresss political approach. They argued that the outcomes in the four states reflected the growing disconnect between the Congress and the electorate. Nabins statement is part of the BJPs broader strategy to project the Prime Ministers continued popularity and to dismiss opposition claims of electoral manipulation. The party has maintained that the Congress is raising the EVM issue only to cover up its own organisational and political failures. The MLC elections in the four states had been keenly watched as indicators of the relative strengths of the major political parties. According to the BJP, the Congresss inability to open its account in these contests underscores the publics preference for the ruling dispensation at the Centre. As political temperatures rise ahead of upcoming assembly and other elections, both the BJP and the Congress are expected to intensify their campaigns around issues of electoral integrity, governance and public trust. Nabins post indicates that the BJP will continue to project recent electoral outcomes as a vote of confidence in Prime Minister Modis leadership.
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No slogans, just look at results: Hardik Patels dig at Congress over MLC results
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 28 (IANS) Gujarat BJP MLA Hardik Patel on Wednesday took a swipe at the Congress over its performance in Legislative Council elections across four states, highlighting that the polls were conducted using ballot papers, but the party failed to win a single seat. In a post on social media platform X, Patel wrote: 4 major states. 28 MLC seats. Elections conducted using ballot papers! Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. Now, take a guess: how many of these 28 seats did Congress actually win? No slogans. No excuses. Just look at the results! The post came amid counting and the declaration of results for 28 Legislative Council seats across the four states. The Congress failed to secure a victory in the election cycle, with the results providing ammunition for the BJP to question the Opposition partys arguments in favour of ballot papers amid its allegations concerning electronic voting machines (EVMs). The outcome in Karnataka was a particular setback for the Congress, which is in power in the state. The BJP-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance swept the four Legislative Council seats there, including the Bengaluru Teachers constituency previously held by the Congress. In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP won four seats, and the Samajwadi Party secured two, while counting continued in other constituencies. Bihar also witnessed setbacks for established parties. Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party won its first Legislative Council seat after its candidate Suresh Rai defeated former Bihar Congress president Madan Mohan Jha in the Darbhanga Teachers constituency. The Rashtriya Janata Dal also wrested the Patna Teachers seat from five-term BJP MLC Nawal Kishore Yadav. Counting for other constituencies was continuing, while results in Maharashtra were still emerging. Patels intervention carries an added political dimension given his own journey from being a prominent critic of the BJP to becoming one of its legislators in Gujarat. He rose to prominence in 2015 as the face of the Patidar reservation agitation, which challenged the then BJP-led state government. The movement made him a significant political figure ahead of the 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections, when the Congress improved its performance against the BJP. Patel joined the Congress in March 2019 and was appointed working president of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee in July 2020. However, differences with the party leadership grew, and he resigned from the Congress on May 18, 2022, criticising its functioning and leadership. He formally joined the BJP on June 2, 2022, in Gandhinagar, subsequently receiving the partys ticket from Viramgam for the Gujarat Assembly elections. Patel won the seat in December 2022, defeating Aam Aadmi Party candidate Amarsinh Thakor by more than 51,000 votes, and entered the Assembly as a BJP MLA. His latest post continues his criticism of his former party, using the ballot-paper results to challenge the Congresss political messaging on electoral processes.
State govt to expand opportunities for young and folk artists: Minister
'Zero Check Karlo Bhai': Piyush Goyal mocks Congress with AI-generated swipe at Rahul Gandhi
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday shared an AI-generated image targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after the party failed to win any of the 28 seats contested in Legislative Council elections across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. The image posted by Goyal depicted Rahul Gandhi as an employee at a petrol station. A fuel dispenser in the image displayed the names of the four states where the elections were held, while the meter showed figures reading .00, symbolising the Congress party's tally in the elections. Sharing the image on social media, Goyal captioned it, ero check karlo Bhai. The post was part of a broader social media campaign launched by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its leaders following the election results. The BJP used the outcome to attack the Congress, highlighting the party's failure to secure a single seat in the contests held across the four states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several BJP leaders also took aim at the Congress over its repeated criticism of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and its demand for a return to ballot-paper voting. The ruling party argued that the election outcome undermined the opposition's allegations regarding the electoral process. Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of politicising issues and casting baseless aspersions on Indian industry following his remark that the Tata Group was being criminally destroyed. Being the Leader of the Opposition, I suggest you refrain from politicising every issue. Also, casually labelling commercial and legal matters as criminal is unacceptable, the Finance Minister said in a post on X. Gandhi had alleged that Indian businesses were being treated as the plaything of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Tata is being criminally destroyed, and no business leader dares say a word. How long will you stay silent? Until they own you? the Congress leader had said.
MoS Somanna sees 2028 message in NDAs council poll sweep
Union Minister of State V Somanna highlighted the Congress party's failure in recent Legislative Council elections across multiple states. He pointed out that Congress did not secure any seats in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar, or Uttar Pradesh. Somanna used these results to challenge Congress's claims regarding electronic voting machines and alleged electoral fraud. The outcomes are perceived as a negative reflection on the Congress government in Karnataka.
Gaya airport sees surge in international flight operations
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Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences & Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (ABVIMS & RML Hospital) has released the official notification for 2 Consultant (Legal) posts. Selection will be carried out through a Walk-in Interview scheduled on 16 November 2026 at Room No-06, Old Building, Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi. Candidates should report at 11:00 AM. For complete details, candidates can visit rmlh.nic.in.
Can you punish laxity by forfeiting the right to vote forever, Supreme Court asks ECI
Form 6 is cast in stone and cannot be changed, says SC, adding that the Bihar judgment is not a binding precedent and that it allowed logical discrepancy in West Bengal as an interim arrangement; top court tells ECI to extend Delhi SIR
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Accuses Congress of undermining democracy over its campaign against electoral roll revision
PM Modi mocks Congress for failing to win MLC elections across four states using ballot papers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticised the Congress party for not winning any seats in recent elections. Despite their demands for ballot papers, Congress failed to secure positions in the Legislative Council. The elections took place in four major states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Karnataka. BJP gained five seats in Uttar Pradesh alone, while Congress did not win any.
PM Modi Mocks Cong's Poor MLC Poll Show Despite Use of Paper Ballots
Elections to the six teachers' and five graduates' constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, four each in Bihar, two each in Karnataka, and three graduates' and two teachers' constituencies in Maharashtra were held on October 23.
SC says legality of EC's 'logical discrepancy' checks in SIR remains undecided
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said its earlier decision allowing the Election Commission to use the category in West Bengal was only an interim measure. It also clarified that the courts ruling on the SIR exercise in Bihar had not settled every legal question surrounding the revision process.
MLC results show Rahul Gandhi has little reason to celebrate as face of anti-BJP bloc
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) The Congress partys ambitious aim of launching Rahul Gandhi in a new, aggressive leadership role and as the face of a united Opposition has suffered a serious setback after failing to win a single seat in the biennial Legislative Council (MLC) elections across four states Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Though the general public as a whole is not directly involved in choosing MLC representatives, specific sections of society do share their preferences. These elections were limited franchise contests involving graduates and teachers rather than the broader electorate, yet are often viewed as indicators of organisational strength, cadre mobilisation and political influence among politically aware sections. And on all three counts, the Congress has little reason to celebrate. The outcome of achieving a zero across all 28 seats contested would thus serve as a rough bump on its road to political recovery, with warning bells sounding particularly loudly in Karnataka where it is in power. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Karnataka, with Janata Dal (Secular) a constituent, secured a clear 4-0 sweep in the state, leaving the ruling Congress in a quandary. The BJP retained the North-East Teachers, South-East Graduates and West Graduates constituencies, while the JD(S) captured the Bengaluru Teachers' seat from the Congress. This outcome is especially significant since the party had hoped to project its state government as a model for a broader national resurgence. Instead, the results suggest that even where Congress holds power, regional dynamics and opposition alliances remain capable of limiting its influence. JD(S), though diminished in Assembly politics, demonstrated that regional players continue to possess pockets of durable support. Results elsewhere also delivered an uncomfortable political message for the Congress. Far from signalling a revival of the party's mass appeal, the elections have underlined its continued inability to build up anti-BJP sentiment or establish itself as the undisputed leader of a united Opposition. In Uttar Pradesh, the principal contest was between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party (SP), where the former secured victories in multiple constituencies, while the latter won key teachers seats and remained the primary Opposition force. Bihar offered a similar sobering picture, with the Congress suffering a symbolic defeat in Darbhanga Teachers' constituency, where Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) candidate Suresh Prasad Rai defeated sitting Congress MLC Madan Mohan Jha. The states overall results reflected a fragmented Opposition landscape, with the BJP and its ally Janata Dal (United) winning several seats, the RJD registering a victory, JSP opening its account, and independents securing wins. Thus, Tejashwi Yadav's RJD continues to command the central anti-BJP role in the state, while Prashant Kishors JSP is seen attempting to build an alternative space, and Congress increasingly appearing squeezed between stronger regional actors. In Maharashtra, counting trends indicated a mixed battle between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), with candidates from both camps leading in different constituencies. Yet here too, the dominant opposition faces were regional leaders from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharad Pawar) camps rather than the Congress. The results reinforce a reality that has come to define Opposition politics of late: regional satraps continue to carry greater electoral weight than the grand old party of India in most states. Though MLC results do not determine future Assembly or Lok Sabha outcomes, they do reflect the current balance of political influence. And that balance again suggests that India's opposition space remains decentralised, state-driven and heavily dependent on regional leaders. For the BJP, these elections provided evidence that Congress national narrative is yet to translate into strength on the ground. For the Opposition, the Congress may still be an essential component of any anti-BJP coalition, but these elections indicate Rahul Gandhi is far from becoming the blocs unquestioned leader.
PM Modi Mocks Opposition as Congress Draws a Blank in Ballot-Paper MLC Polls Across Four States
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a sharp political attack against the Congress party following its dismal performance in the biennial Legislative Council (MLC) elections held across four statesUttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Karnataka. Highlighting that the MLC polls were conducted using paper ballotsa primary demand of opposition parties campaigning against Electronic Voting Machines [] The post PM Modi Mocks Opposition as Congress Draws a Blank in Ballot-Paper MLC Polls Across Four States appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Legality of 'logical discrepancy' in SIR not decided: SC
The Supreme Court clarified on Wednesday that it has not yet made a final ruling on the legality of the Election Commission's logical discrepancy category used for scrutinising voter details during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The court noted that its previous permission for this exercise in West Bengal was only an interim arrangement and its Bihar SIR decision was not a final determination of all related issues.
PM Modi Takes Dig At Congress, Asks:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig at Congress on Wednesday, highlighting when the voting was conducted using ballot papers the Congress failed to win a seat in the Legislative Council elections across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Karnataka. In a
Woman Shot In Vaishali, Police Probe
A married woman sustained a gunshot injury in Bihar's Vaishali district on Wednesday. Police are investigating conflicting accounts from her family regarding the incident's location and circumstances, as the victim is currently unable to give a statement.
Bihar MLC polls: Jan Suraaj Party opens account, JD(U)'s Neeraj Kumar 'wins' Patna Graduates seat
In the Patna Graduates constituency, JD(U)'s Neeraj Kumar has defeated the RJD candidate, though official results for the seat are yet to be declared
PM Modi taunts Congress for dismal show in MLC polls despite use of paper ballots
MLC elections in 28 seats across 4 big States Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. Elections were held using ballot papers. Guess how many seats Congress won? PM Modi said in a post on 'X'
PM Modi taunts Congress for dismal show in MLC polls despite use of paper ballots
MLC elections in 28 seats across 4 big States Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. Elections were held using ballot papers. Guess how many seats Congress won? PM Modi said in a post on 'X'
Congress has history of yielding to external pressure, putting out false narratives: Shringla
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, on Wednesday severely condemned Congress party for selectively portraying his recent conversation with former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and providing a false narrative to mislead the people of India. Shringla held a wide-ranging discussion with Rudd, a leading expert on foreign policy, earlier this month on issues ranging from Asia's geopolitical future, India's national and international priorities to relations with key partners. At the event organised by the Asia Society Policy Institute in New Delhi, the BJP MP, also India's former Ambassador to the United States, spotlighted that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indias foreign policy is guided by strategic autonomy and a nation-first approach. However, he alleged that the very, very positive conversation which was greatly appreciated by domestic and international audiences, was selectively portrayed by the Congress party to convey a false impression at the public level. During the conversation with Dr. Rudd, the issue of possible US sanctions against India for the purchase of Russian oil came up. And to place matters in perspective, I spoke about the fact that the US had in 2019, stopped exemptions that it had carved out for a few countries like India and China, for the purchase of Iranian oil. And there was a similar situation with regard to Venezuela. And then we spoke about the current context to the context of Russia. And, at that time, I pointed out that it was the energy security of one and a half billion people that was of paramount importance to the government, the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. And, I said that all decisions that were taken in this regard, would be based on national interest and a nation first approach. This has been the policy since 2014, when Prime Minister Modi was voted into office, and will continue to remain the policy for the government, Shringla posted on X Wednesday. However, unfortunately, this entire conversation was selectively portrayed by the Congress party to provide a false narrative that is being sold to mislead the public. And my advice to Congress stooges who put all this out is to stop using false narratives, whether this is to portray, any situation in our country, when you cannot win in a free and fair democracy, you know, a loser in democracy can never be a winner with false narratives, he added. Shrigla stated that, during the conversation with Rudd, he had made it clear that Indias energy security and national interest will always come first. He then went on to say that a party that has a history of yielding to external pressure on matters of vital national interest has little ground to question Indias commitment to strategic autonomy. Let me remind everybody that this is the same Congress party that halted India's missile and nuclear programme in 1994, under US pressure, the then President US President Bill Clinton had interceded and the Congress party stopped. And this is also the party that abruptly cancelled planned nuclear tests that we were going to undertake in December 1995, again under US pressure. And it took the BJP's first Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji to undertake these nuclear tests in 1998 and make India the proud and responsible nuclear power we are today, Shringla mentioned. The Rajya Sabha MP also cited the innumerable and notable instances where the Congress party succumbed to US pressure on issues of vital interest, including the most stark and illustrative 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. I remember that the expectation of the public level was that the government will do something to ensure that there is retaliation for what was possibly one of the worst terrorist attacks that the world had ever experienced, comparable even to 9-11, other attacks in other parts of the world. However, the Congress party didn't do anything. And there are no guesses as to why US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice paid a visit to Delhi and asked the government not to undertake any military response. And, the UPA government obeyed. This was a national shame that we haven't gotten over even today. Now contrast this to the bold response of Prime Minister Modi in response, I mean, in dealing with Pakistani terrorist provocations. Highlighting that in a democracy, political arguments must be built on facts, not false narratives, Shringla mentioned that a party that has consistently succumbed to external pressure on vital issues of national interest should not be making allegations of this nature. Yet, this is the same party that today continuously puts out false narratives, whether on the issue of Arunachal Pradesh involving our armed forces, or the SIR, revealing its political bankruptcy, and disclosing its pathetic inability to win the people's ballot. Please stop misleading the people of India. This is my request to the Congress party. Stop misleading the people of India. Enough is enough, he concluded. /as
'Guess how many seats Congress won?': PM Modi's swipe at party's performance in MLC polls
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a swipe at the Congress over its dismal performance in the recently held Legislative Council polls across four states, despite the use of ballot papers in the polling process. The Congress has drawn a blank in three states and also remains out of the reckoning in Maharashtra, where the counting is reportedly underway for five seats. In a post on social media platform 'X', Prime Minister Modi said, MLC elections in 28 seats across 4 big states - Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka. Elections held using ballot papers. Guess how many seats Congress won? PM Modi remarked. This comes amid the Opposition's demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation amid allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The MLC polls results assumes significance as the INDIA Bloc prepares to hold a mega rally against the vote theft allegations at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on November 1, despite strong protests from the ruling NDA, traders and the Sikh community as the date is linked to the 1984 riots. Earlier in the day, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also remarked that the Congress failed to make an impact in the Legislative Council elections across four states despite ballot papers being used to conduct the polling, while accusing Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, of making false allegations against the country's electoral process. Addressing a press conference, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi said: Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party, who have created a storm of false claims about Indias electoral process, have seen their aspirations for anarchy shattered by the results of the MLC elections...the Congress party has so far remained at zero. It is now almost clear that the Congress party has failed to make its presence felt in these elections. He added: These elections were conducted using ballot boxes and ballot papers, yet the Congress failed to establish its presence. Echoing similar view, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi also took a jibe at the Congress party on Wednesday. Whether it is ballot paper or the Electronic Voting Machines, the outcome for the Congress party remains the same, Joshi said, taking potshots at the Grand Old Partys zero show in the MLC elections. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party (SP) emerged victorious in the Agra Teacher's seat in Uttar Pradesh, while the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) won the Patna Teachers constituency in the biennial elections to the Bihar Legislative Council.
Which Indian City Is Known As The Litchi Capital Of The World?
With its fragrant, juicy fruit and a growing reputation beyond India, this Bihar city has become closely associated with one of the country's favourite summer fruits.
Bihar results: Newly elected MLC Neeraj Kumar explains 3 N advantage over rival
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 28 (IANS) After winning the high-stakes Patna Graduate MLC seat, Janata Dal (United)s Neeraj Kumar broke down the 3 N formula before the press, explaining how it worked wonders for him in turning the electoral tide in his favour despite facing strong opposition, including from the partys own rebels. I say it again and again. N stands for Nitish Kumar ji, N stands for Nishant Kumar ji, and then N also represents Neeraj Kumar (himself). Also, my serial number was third in row; everything fell in order, he told the scribes when asked about his triumph. He also credited Nitishs son and Bihar minister Nishant Kumar for standing beside him and mobilising public opinion in his favour. Neeraj Kumar, who faced a strong challenge from Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh, having gained the backing of Mokama MLA Anant Singh, emerged victorious in the recently held MLC elections, while the latter was thrown at third spot. Anant Singh had also vowed to defeat Neeraj Kumar, as he openly supported and campaigned for Jan Suraaj-supported candidate Anuj Singh, an action that eventually led to the strongmans expulsion from the JD(U). Neeraj Kumar, attributing his victory to the N factor, is not new. After filing his nomination papers also, earlier this month, the JD(U) MLC had described Nitish Kumar as the JD (U)s power centre and stated that his blessings would help him sail through. He also dismissed Anant Singh as any challenge in the MLC elections. Neeraj Kumars victory enhances his standing within the state politics while dealing a severe blow to the formidable influence of Mokama strongman Anant Singh, whose backed candidate dropped to third place. Earlier in the day, the newly elected JD(U) MLC also took a taunting jibe at the rebel MLA. Speaking to scribes after triumph, while seated in his car, Neeraj delivered a jab in local Magahi dialect: Kahan hai re Gunjan, le ja mithaiya! (Where are you, Gunjan? Take these sweets!), eliciting cheers among the crowd.
'Guess how many seats Congress won?' PM Modi mocks party over ballot-paper MLC poll performance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (October 26) took a swipe at the Congress over elections to 28 seats in the Legislative Councils across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Karnataka, which were held using ballot papers.
HM Amit Shah to inaugurate Martyrs Memorial in Ambala on Nov 5
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 28 (IANS) Haryanas Transport Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the Aazadi ki Pehli Ladai ka Shaheed Smarak in Ambala Cantonment on November 5. It has been built at a cost of approximately Rs 800 crore. After the inauguration, he will address a public meeting in Gandhi Ground. It is significant to attend the rally as people will be participating in an event honouring a martyrs memorial, said the minister. The Martyrs Memorial will be opened to the public from November 6. Vij said the government has issued instructions for the visit of students from schools and educational institutions across the state to the memorial to educate them that the freedom struggle began in Ambala before Meerut in 1857. He urged people to attend the rally at Gandhi Ground in Ambala Cantonment in large numbers as it will mark the inauguration of a national-level memorial. Vij was addressing BJP office-bearers at Ambala Club in Ambala at a meeting chaired by state party President Archana Gupta to review preparations for the Martyrs Memorial programme. Minister Vij said he had been working for the construction of the Martyrs Memorial for the past 25-30 years. He said books taught that the Congress fought the Independence struggle, but when he read, he found that in 1857, before the Congress was even founded, an armed struggle for Independence was fought across India and it began in Ambala. He said documents showed that in 1857 at 9 a.m., 10 hours before the uprising in Meerut, the 60th and 5th Native Infantry regiments sounded the bugle of the freedom struggle in Ambala Cantonment. Yet history never remembered those heroes who were tied to trees and shot, or those upon whom oil mills were operated; the nation never paid tribute to those martyrs, which is painful. The martyrs of 1857 were also sons of the motherland who joined the struggle for Independence. The minister said anyone who took even one step out of their home for Independence deserves homage, whether they were a Congress member or not. Vij, who also holds the Energy portfolio, said the First War of Independence took place across the country in 1857, but no one remembered it, and no memorial existed anywhere to showcase that struggle. The minister said he stood in the Assembly several times to demand the memorials construction and that there is an official record of this. At one point, he said he even compelled the Congress government, but it did not build the memorial. However, when the BJP government came to power in 2014, it approved the construction of a national-level memorial. Vij said the complete history will be displayed in the memorial. The places where battles were fought in 1857, in Haryana, Bihar, Punjab, and elsewhere, will be presented through modern technology, showing the history of the war.
EVM or ballot papers, result same for Congress: Pralhad Joshi mocks partys zero show in MLC polls
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi took a swipe at the Congress party on Wednesday, over its dismal performance in the recently held Legislative Council elections. Whether it is ballot paper or the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the outcome for the Congress party remains the same, Joshi said, taking potshots at the grand old partys zero show in the MLC elections. The results for the MLC elections 2026 have been announced for 28 seats spanning four states Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Congress has drawn a blank in three states and also remains out of the reckoning in Maharashtra, where the counting is reportedly underway for five seats. The ruling Mahayuti alliance and Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are at loggerheads, but there too, the Congress seems to be on a sticky wicket. The Union Minister said that the party failed to win even a single seat out of 28 Legislative Council seats, contested across four states. Joshi said the Congress party keeps harping on vote theft and questioning democratic institutions, yet still blames the system when election results dont go in its favour. Pointing specifically to Congress-ruled Karnataka, he said that the party suffered a crushing defeat, with even its incumbent Legislative Council members failing to retain their seats. He said the party consistently raises questions over the EVMs and cries foul over alleged irregularities, but when it came to elections through ballot boxes, it too failed to register a win and suffered a humiliating defeat. The election results have rather cast doubts on the validity of the Congress partys allegations, he claimed. Notably, the MLC elections were held for 28 graduates and teachers constituencies, spread across four states. In Uttar Pradesh, 11 Legislative Council seats went to polls, comprising 5 graduates' and 6 teachers' constituencies. In Bihar, 8 Legislative Council seats included 4 graduates' constituencies and 4 teachers' constituencies, while in Maharashtra, 5 Legislative Council seats, covering three graduates' constituencies and two teachers' constituencies, went to the hustings. In Karnataka, Congress lost all four constituencies.
Railways extends travel insurance to PRS counter tickets
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Record response: 8k apply for 10 VC posts in Bihar
AP Police Arrest 2 More In Pakistan-linked Espionage Case
Andhra Pradesh police have arrested two more persons in an espionage case involving Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs), from Bihar.
Hyderabad: Bihar man caught with 1.8 kg ganja in Quthbullapur
Hyderabad: The Prohibition and Excise Departments District Task Force (DTF) team seized 1.80 kilogram of ganja from a Bihar native during a special operation in Hyderabads Quthbullapur. The personnel of the Prohibition and Excise DTF team jointly conducted the operation and apprehended the suspect, identified as Kuldi Prasad. During the operation, the officials recovered the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Delhi SIR: Supreme Court asks ECI to extend deadlines, simplify enrolment
While addressing the ECI in the Delhi SIR case, the top court clarified that it did not judicially review the logical discrepancy in the Bihar SIR case
MLC election results 2026: The BJP, Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), RJD and other parties are battling for seats in the Legislative Councils of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka and Maharashtra. While the BJP and its allies have secured key victories in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, the SP and RJD have also registered wins. Check the state-wise MLC winners list, party-wise performance and latest updates on results and counting in all four states.
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 28 (IANS) Karnataka Minister, Priyank Kharge, on Wednesday said the state government was examining whether more locations in Bengaluru and other parts of the state could be denotified as designated protest sites as per requests by some activists, while ensuring that citizens right to demonstrate peacefully was not curtailed. Speaking to reporters, Kharge said the government had met activists who called for more locations to be denotified in Bengaluru. He implied that denotifying the sites will be done so that the rights of the citizens to protest are not curtailed. He said an affidavit had been filed in the High Court by all parties, including civil rights activists, and the government would examine the matter. We have met some activists who suggested that more locations in Bengaluru and across the state should be denotified. We are looking into the matter, he said. Kharge maintained that the government was not interested in restricting citizens rights but stressed the need to balance the right to protest with the rights of other people who might be affected by demonstrations. I would like to put on record that the government is not interested in curbing citizens rights. While ensuring that people can exercise their rights, we must also consider the rights of other citizens affected by protests. It is a fine balance, and we will work to maintain it, he said. The ministers comments on protest sites come against the backdrop of controversy over the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest location in New Delhi. Opposition leaders had criticised the move, arguing that changing the venue could not diminish public anger or the demand for demonstrations. Kharge had also previously criticised the Centre over the issue, accusing the Modi government of suppressing peaceful protests and alleging that it feared the Gen Z movement by denying protesters permission to demonstrate at the designated site. The minister also launched a sharp attack on the BJP over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the exercise favoured the ruling party at the Centre and could exclude the ones who oppose them. Kharge stated that nearly one crore people had been left out of the voter lists in the state and said the Karnataka government would examine the circumstances surrounding their exclusion. He alleged that the pre-printing of Form 7 by BJP workers, was introduced to keep certain sections of voters out of the electoral process. This SIR is a process that favours the BJP. It is very evident in West Bengal, it was very evident in Bihar, and even in Karnataka. Nearly one crore people have been left out, he said. Kharge alleged that the Form 7 issue in Chitapur pointed to a conspiracy to manipulate the electoral process. He claimed that 40 Form 7 applications submitted in the constituency were bogus and emphasised that the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), rather than private individuals, had filed a complaint. It is absolutely a conspiracy. In Chitapur, 40 Form 7s have been given, they are all bogus. The ERO has filed a complaint, not some individuals, he said. Citing another instance of alleged irregularities, Kharge referred to Aland in Karnataka and claimed that 5,994 of the 6,018 forms examined there were fake. He also referred to 22,000 chargesheets, though further details about the cases and the nature of the chargesheets were not immediately available. We have exposed vote theft in Aland. Out of 6,018 forms, 5,994 forms are fake and 22,000 chargesheets have been filed, he said. Kharge said the government would scrutinise the voter lists and investigate how the alleged exclusions and irregularities had occurred. He also argued that the process undermined the Oppositions ability to contest elections on a level playing field.
Woman, eight-month-old son among four killed in road accident in Bihar's Chhapra
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 28 (IANS) At least four people, including a woman and her eight-month-old baby, were killed in a collision between a speeding truck and an auto-rickshaw on NH-722 near Pahadpur village under the Garkha police station limits in Bihars Saran district. The high-impact crash, which occurred late Tuesday night, completely mangled the auto-rickshaw, trapping passengers inside and triggering chaotic scenes as local residents rushed to render aid. Hearing the screams of trapped victims, onlookers alerted local authorities and initiated initial rescue efforts. Teams from the Garkha police station and a 'Dial 112' emergency unit arrived shortly after. Due to the severe structural deformation of the auto-rickshaw, rescue personnel had to employ gas cutters to cut through the metal frame and extricate the trapped individuals. All victims were rushed to Shrinivas Medical College, where four were pronounced dead, and others were admitted for urgent medical care. The deceased have been identified as Annu Kumari (28) and her eight-month-old son, Riyansh Kumar. Annus husband, Vishal Kumar, suffered critical injuries and remains under intensive care in the ICU. A relative, Rahul Kumar, revealed that the family was returning home from Punjab after attending a wedding ceremony when the speeding truck struck their vehicle, turning a celebratory trip into tragedy. The crash also claimed the lives of cousins Ashish Kumar alias Jeetu (25) and Aman Kumar (20). The auto-rickshaw driver and his brother were also injured in the collision. The incident has plunged multiple households into deep mourning. Police have launched an investigation to track down the driver of the speeding truck and establish the exact sequence of events leading to the fatal crash. The district police had informed the family members of the deceased following the fatal accident. They have recovered the bodies and sent them to Chappra Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examinations. The post-mortem will be conducted in the presence of the family members of the deceased.
From Homemade Badi to GomatiRoots: Shital Kumari Secures Funding
Bihar's Sheetal Kumari transforms homemade badi into GomatiRoots, securing funding through YourStory's Shuru Kar initiative.
BCA president Harshvardhan inaugurates Bihar vs Baroda U-23 match in Col C.K. Nayudu Trophy
The News Mill
SIR Is A Process To Favour BJP: Priyank Kharge Alleges Conspiracy To Exclude Voters
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was aimed at favouring the BJP and keeping the opposition out of electoral contests, claiming that nearly one crore voters had been left out of the process. Kharge alleged that the exercise had raised concerns in West Bengal, Bihar and Karnataka, and said the state government would examine the exclusion of voters and the alleged bulk printing of Form 7 applications.
BPSC Prosecution Officer OMR Sheet 2026 - Download Link, Last Date and Objection Process
BPSC Prosecution Officer OMR Sheet 2026 is available for candidates under Advertisement No. 13/2026 from 28 October to 3 November 2026. Download the OMR sheet through the candidate Dashboard and report errors by email on or before 3 November 2026 at bpsconline.bihar.gov.in.
Video: Beggar Offers His Meal To Monk, His Response Melts Hearts
A viral video from Bihar's Mahabodhi Temple shows a roadside beggar donating his food and money to a Buddhist monk, only to receive kindness and blessings in return, touching millions online.
Bihar MLC polls: Jan Suraaj opens account, JD(U)'s Neeraj Kumar 'wins' Patna Graduates seat
The Jan Suraaj Party opened its account in the Bihar Legislative Council elections, with Suresh Prasad Rai defeating sitting Congress MLC Madan Mohan Jha by 324 votes in the Darbhanga Teachers constituency. The results also saw wins for the BJP, JD(U), RJD and an independent candidate in other constituencies, while counting continued for some seats.
Jan Suraaj Opens Account in Bihar MLC Polls, Defeats Congress Sitting MLC in Darbhanga
Suresh Prasad Rai beats Madan Mohan Jha by 324 votes in the Darbhanga Teachers seat; BJP and RJD also register wins as counting continues for other constituencies.
Bihar MLC polls: Ram Kripal Yadav says NDA setback in Teachers seat matter of concern
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 28 (IANS) Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav on Wednesday said NDA candidate Neeraj Kumar had practically won the Patna Graduate constituency in the Bihar Legislative Council elections, while expressing disappointment over Professor Nawal Kishor Yadav falling behind in the Teachers constituency. Two Legislative Council elections were underway in Patna, one for the Graduate constituency and the other for Teachers. The results of both are almost in. In the Graduate constituency, the NDA candidate, Shri Neeraj Kumar, has practically won. However, in the Teacher constituency, Professor Nawal Kishor Yadav has fallen behind. I feel this should not have happened, Ram Kripal Yadav told IANS. He highlighted Professor Nawal Kishor Yadavs five-term record of raising teachers concerns and working to resolve their problems. Nawal ji had been continuously fighting for teachers for five terms, making every possible effort to resolve their issues and firmly raising their voice from the government level up to universities. But perhaps success could not be achieved this time, even though people had elevated him up the ladder of success five times before, he said. Describing the development as a setback, the minister added, It is definitely a setback for all of us, and I consider it a setback for teachers as well. Meanwhile, Bihar Legislative Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar said the election results reflected the peoples decision in a democracy and that the NDA was leading in the eight Graduate and Teachers constituencies. In a democracy, the people are the ultimate decision-makers. Elections were held in eight Graduate and Teachers constituencies, and the results are now coming in, with the NDA leading, he said. Prem Kumar said the NDA was confident of winning five seats, while acknowledging the possibility of losing three. We are confident of winning five seats, while there is a possibility of losing three seats. Our party and the NDA will review the reasons for these possible defeats so that we can perform better in future elections, he said. Claiming that the political atmosphere across the country favoured the NDA, he added that Prime Minister Narendra Modis efforts had played an important role. Minister Santosh Suman said, Last time, we had three seats, while this time we are winning four to five seats. One candidate supported by us, who was contesting as a rebel candidate, has also won from one seat. Overall, if we make a comparative assessment, our results are better than last time. However, we had expected more, so we will identify the reasons and try to improve. JD(U) National General Secretary, Shyam Rajak, however, urged caution while commenting on the results, saying that the party was still awaiting official information on some seats. We have received information about some seats, but there is no official information about the remaining seats. Until the official reports are received, commenting on these matters serves no purpose. Let the complete official information about all eight seats come in first, and then we can comment, Rajak said. According to the results and counting trends available, results for five of the eight constituencies had been declared, while counting was continuing in the remaining three. In the Saran Teachers constituency, Independent candidate Dr Rahul Raj was declared elected. In the Patna Teachers constituency, Dr Sanjeev Kumar of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) won. In the Patna Graduate constituency, JD(U) candidate Neeraj Kumar was declared the winner, while BJP candidate Narendra Singh won the Tirhut Teachers constituency. Dr Suresh Prasad Rai of Jan Suraaj was elected from the Darbhanga Teachers constituency.
Bihar Law Department Recruitment 2026
Bihar Law Department has invited applications by email for 13 vacancies, including Addl. Advocate General and Additional Standing Counsel posts. Applications can be sent till 16 November 2026.
India targets 5 million metric tonnes annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) India aims to develop 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, an official factsheet said on Wednesday. This transition can reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthen the countrys long-term energy security. The National Green Hydrogen Mission marks an important step towards building a cleaner, more self-reliant and globally competitive energy economy. The Mission is expected to reduce cumulative fossil fuel imports by approximately Rs 1 lakh crore by 2030. Beyond energy security, the Mission seeks to create new opportunities for industrial growth, investment and employment. It is expected to mobilise over Rs 8 lakh crore in investments and generate more than 6 lakh jobs across manufacturing, infrastructure, research, and project development. The production and use of the targeted green hydrogen quantum could also help avert nearly 50 MMT of carbon dioxide emissions annually, according to the factsheet. Moreover, six States have notified dedicated green hydrogen policies, complementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal are the States with notified dedicated policies. Four more states are finalising their dedicated green hydrogen policies. Haryana, Punjab, Bihar and Kerala are working on the draft policies. Seven States have integrated hydrogen into their existing industrial and renewable energy policy frameworks. These include Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh. Moreover, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), directly or through the National Institute of Solar Energy, has signed MoUs, Letters of Intent or Joint Declarations of Intent. The partners are Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Uzbekistan. An MoU on renewable energy has been signed with the Netherlands. An IndiaUS Hydrogen Task Force has been formed under the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership. Green hydrogen is a focus area of the IndiaUS New and Emerging Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP). The MNRE launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India in April 2025. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) accredits agencies for monitoring, verification and certification. A dedicated portal went live in June 2026 for transparent certification and compliance. Credible certification will help Indian producers compete with confidence globally. Through these efforts, the government aims to accelerate industrial decarbonisation, strengthen domestic manufacturing and position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, use and exports. This will contribute to Indias broader vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Bihar MLC elections: JDU's Neeraj Kumar defeats Anant Singh-backed candidate in Patna Graduates seat
JDU leader Neeraj Kumar has secured his fourth consecutive victory in the Patna Graduate constituency of the Bihar Legislative Council elections, triggering celebrations among his supporters in Mokama. Although the formal declaration of the result was still awaited at the time of the initial reports, Kumar expressed confidence in his victory and credited party workers for his success.
BPSC ASO Mains exam result 2026 announced, Santosh Kumar secures 1st rank
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has released the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) Mains Examination result. The exams were held on Feb 27, 2026
More than 20 passengers sustained injuries after an overcrowded double-decker sleeper bus heading from Punjab and Haryana to Bihar overturned in the early hours on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh
Jan Suraaj makes inroads into Bihar MLC with victory in Darbhanga Teachers constituency
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 28 (IANS) Following Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishors triumph in the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, the party has expanded its footprint in state politics by securing its first seat in the Bihar Legislative Council. In a significant political breakthrough, Jan Suraaj party candidate Suresh Prasad Rai won the Darbhanga Teachers MLC seat, defeating sitting Congress MLC Madan Mohan Jha by a margin of 324 votes. According to official election data, Suresh Prasad Rai polled 2,574 votes against Madan Mohan Jhas 2,187. Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate Ramdev Rai received 1,498 votes, while Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) nominee Kumar Raut managed 126 votes. The multi-cornered contest among the Congress, RJD, and CPI(M) fragmented the traditional opposition vote share, creating a clear opening for the newly formed Jan Suraaj party. The outcome dealt a major blow to Congress. Madan Mohan Jha, a former Bihar Congress president and former cabinet minister in the Grand Alliance government, had represented the constituency for the previous two terms. His defeat reduces the partys representation in the Upper House of the state legislature to just a single seat. Suresh Prasad Rai, who previously contested from the same constituency as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate and finished runner-up, demonstrated consistent strength throughout the vote count. He took an early lead in first-preference votes and maintained his advantage until the final rounds. This victory strengthens the Jan Suraaj partys effort to position itself as a viable political alternative to Bihars established alliances. The party, launched by political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor, has aimed to transform its grassroots campaign momentum into legislative presence. Jan Suraajs entry into the Upper House marks another milestone in its ongoing electoral debut. Voting for the 8 MLC seats, including four teachers and four graduate seats, was held on October 23, and counting started on October 27 at 8 a.m. With this, the Election Commission of India has announced the results of all four Teachers' constituencies of Bihar. The RJD candidate, Dr Sanjiv Kumar, emerged victorious on the Patna Teachers seat, while Rahul Raj, an Independent candidate, won the Saran Teachers seat. On the Tirhut Teachers seat, BJP candidate N.P. Singh won the contest in a tight finish.
Challenges of Youth Employment in Bihar: A Closer Look
The youth in Bihar face significant challenges in securing employment after completing their education. With a high unemployment rate, particularly in urban areas, and a lack of computer facilities in schools, the situation is concerning. This article delves into the statistics surrounding youth unemployment, the intense competition for government jobs, and the importance of skill training and apprenticeships. It also discusses strategies to enhance employment opportunities for the youth, emphasizing the need for digital literacy and practical training to meet industry demands. Read on to discover more about the employment landscape in Bihar and potential solutions.
Cyclone Arnab effect: Rains to lash several states from Bihar, UP to Rajasthan; IMD issues alert
Cyclonic storm Arnab is affecting several states across India, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds and thunderstorms. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, while an orange alert has been issued for Jharkhand, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh. Kerala and Mahe may also receive rainfall on October 28.
RPCAU Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) is conducting a Walk-in Interview for 2 Senior Research Fellow posts. Candidates meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria can attend the interview on 31 October 2026 at Directorate of Extension Education, RPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. Candidates should report at 9:00 AM.
UP MLC polls counting underway: BJP wins four, SP secures Varanasi Teachers' seat
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 28 (IANS) The elections for the Legislative Council's Teachers' and Graduates' constituencies, seen as a crucial indicator of the political climate ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, are witnessing a fierce contest between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party. In the ongoing vote count for 11 seats, the BJP has secured victory in four, while the Samajwadi Party's Lal Bihari Yadav has won the Varanasi Teachers' constituency. The BJP has retained both the Teachers' and Graduates' seats in Meerut. Umesh Dwivedi achieved a hat-trick by winning the Lucknow Teachers' seat for the third consecutive time. Meanwhile, the counting of votes for the remaining seats is underway. Polling for these 11 seats, comprising five Graduates' and six Teachers' constituencies, took place on October 23, with a total of 152 candidates in the fray. The outcome will be determined by the votes of approximately 14.81 lakh electors. The counting process began at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday across seven centres in the state. Tight security arrangements are in place, with the process being monitored via CCTV cameras and videography. The BJP emerged victorious in both the Teachers' and Graduates' constituencies of the Meerut-Saharanpur division. For the Teachers' seat, BJP candidate Shrichand Sharma won by securing 18,099 votes, while in the Graduates' constituency, the BJP's Dinesh Goyal secured victory with 24,928 votes. Hari Singh Dhillon of the BJP won from the Bareilly-Moradabad Teachers' constituency. As mentioned, Umesh Dwivedi of the BJP secured a hat-trick by winning the Lucknow Teachers' constituency for the third time in a row. Following his victory, Umesh Dwivedi expressed his gratitude to the teachers and voters. I express my gratitude and thanks to all my respected teachers and fellow voters. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the Bharatiya Janata Party, Yogi-ji, Modi-ji, and the party's lakhs of workers and office-bearers for placing their trust in me, he said. Meanwhile, in the Varanasi Teachers' constituency, Lal Bihari Yadav of the Samajwadi Party emerged victorious. Following his victory, he stated, The BJP's claims of winning both seats had proven hollow. Teachers had placed their trust in Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, and campaigning by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had no impact on the election. Lal Bihari Yadav also accused the administration of harassing his supporters during the election. He alleged that some individuals were placed under house arrest, while others were pressured not to leave their school premises. There has been no official response from the administration regarding these allegations. During the vote counting for the Agra Teachers' Constituency, a dispute arose between the Samajwadi Party and BJP candidates. SP candidate Akash Agarwal alleged that he was assaulted at the counting centre and that his 'kurta' was torn; he held BJP supporters responsible for the incident. Following the incident, tension escalated at the counting centre, with supporters from both parties confronting one another. Conversely, BJP workers dismissed the allegations, claiming that Akash Agarwal had torn his own 'kurta'. BJP workers also staged a sit-in protest. Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar stated that both sides have levelled accusations of assault against each other, leading to a contentious situation at the counting centre. The counting of votes for the Gorakhpur-Faizabad Teachers' Constituency is taking place at the Commerce Department of Gorakhpur University. Here, the Samajwadi Party has boycotted the counting process, alleging electoral malpractice. SP leaders alleged that the democratic process is being compromised, claiming that administrative officials and observers are working to ensure the victory of the BJP candidate. These allegations have not been independently verified. A tight contest between the BJP and the SP is also being observed in the Graduates' Constituencies. In the Allahabad-Jhansi Graduates' Constituency, SP candidate Mansingh Yadav took the lead following the fifth round of counting. In the Lucknow Graduates' Constituency, SP candidate Kanti Singh has been leading since the initial rounds. Meanwhile, for the Varanasi Graduates' constituency seat, the contest is between Ashutosh Sinha of the SP and Kedar Singh of the BJP. The counting of first-preference votes has commenced here. The result for this seat is expected to be declared later in the day. In the remaining constituencies, the counting of votes is currently underway.
Lal Bihari Yadav Secures Second Consecutive Victory for SP in Varanasi Teacher MLC Seat
Lal Bihari Yadav wins the Varanasi Teacher MLC seat again, defeating BJPs Pramod Mishra by over 5,000 votes. Lal Bihari Yadav Secures Second Consecutive Victory for SP in Varanasi Teacher MLC Seat
On October 28, Indias weather forecast indicates a mix of conditions across several states. Heavy rains are likely in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha, driven by a cyclonic system. In contrast, the Delhi-NCR region could experience partly cloudy skies. Residents in these areas are advised to stay updated and heed safety guidelines as thunderstorms may develop.
Women groups continue protest on 6th day, demand ban on liquor in Ladakh
Srinagar, Oct 27:The protest by various women organisations against the liquor policy in Leh entered its sixth day on Tuesday, with protesters blocking the highway after the first round of talks with the administration failed to reach an agreement. In a powerful demonstration, hundreds of women representing various social, religious organisations, took to the streets of Leh to register a strong protest against the Union Territory administrations decision to grant new bar and liquor licences. Raising slogans to protect Ladakhs socio-cultural fabric and fragile community life, the protesters demanded an immediate rollback of the excise policy and urged the government to declare Ladakh a completely dry state. Addressing the crowd, speakers emphasised that the influx of new bar licences, guest house alcohol permissions and commercial outlets threatens the social harmony, youth well-being and peaceful traditional lifestyle of Ladakh. The introduction of widespread liquor vends and bar permissions will have a devastating impact on local families and our younger generation. Women are often the first to suffer the social costs of alcohol expansion. We urge the administration to prioritise social responsibility and declare Ladakh a dry state, said one of the prominent women leaders present at the rally. Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired a meeting with women representatives of various religious organisations including LBA to discuss issues relating to excise policy. The meeting was also attended by Romil Singh Donk, Excise Commissioner, UT Ladakh, representative of All Ladakh Gompa Association, president, Ladakh Buddhist Association, president Anjuman Imamia, Leh and representatives of ALGAHA and ALTOA including others. During the meeting, the women representatives put forth their views and concerns while demanding complete prohibition of liquor in Ladakh, highlighting the social and cultural considerations associated with the issue. They expressed concern over the large number of bar licenses issued. The meeting was informed that, in response to public sentiment, the Excise Policy 202627 had been rolled back and now the Excise Policy 202526 was in force. The participants were apprised of the status of liquor licences under the reinstated policy. It was informed that the number of retail liquor vends was two till last year but this year only one retail vend was functional. Similarly, the number of functional bars attached to restaurants offering retail sale of liquor, which was earlier 23, had increased by 17 newly issued licences, taking the total to 40. The Chief Secretary acknowledged the concerns expressed by the women representatives and emphasised the importance of giving due consideration to the views and sentiments of the people of Ladakh. He observed that the demand for declaring Ladakh a completely dry UT was a significant matter that required careful deliberation and consultation with all concerned stakeholders for which all agreed to. He cited the experience of other states like Bihar and Haryana where complete prohibition had led to serious consequences of spurious liquor and drugs being proliferated. He suggested that this was also a cultural issue and the community needed careful consideration of the consequences of declaring Ladakh as a dry territory. There are also issues of employment, tourism and economic activity and consultation with the hotel industry is also crucial in this regard, particularly given that tourism is the primary economic activity in the territory, he said. He stated that any decision on the matter would need to be taken through a broad-based consultative process involving religious organisations, hotel associations, tour and travel operators associations, and other relevant stakeholders, keeping in view the social, cultural and economic dimensions of the issue. He suggested that in the first instance, president LBA should convene a wider consultation and build consensus on the way forward, with an endeavour to find a middle ground. The Chief Secretary reiterated the importance of constructive dialogue and mutual understanding in addressing the concerns raised by the women representatives while ensuring that the perspectives of all affected stakeholders are duly considered. The meeting provided an opportunity for the representatives to present their views and underscored the need for continued engagement and dialogue towards a balanced and informed consideration of the issue. He also assured that the administration was flexible in its approach of public policy and would be amenable to a middle path solution in the matter. If required another meeting with a larger set of stakeholders would be convened soon.
Bihar CM orders probe into legal notice served to RJD MP Sudhakar Singh by Kundan Krishnan
On October 15, Sudhakar Singh wrote to the Bihar CM about a defamation notice of 5 crore sent by Kundan Krishnan, asking whether the Bihar government endorse the notice
Bihar MLC results: BJP win one seat, counting underway on remaining seven
As per initial reports from the counting centre, Janata Dal (United) candidate Neeraj Kumar is trailing in Patna graduate constituency which remained the hot seat due to boycott of Mokama MLA Anant Singh
MLC polls: BJP wins big in UP, Bihar; JD-S upsets Cong
Counting of votes has commenced for Legislative Council seats across Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Karnataka, with significant political implications ahead of upcoming electoral battles. The elections saw varied turnouts and intense contests between ruling alliances and opposition parties.
Two Arrested in Bihar for Alleged Links to Pakistani Agent Network
Police in Bihars Motihari district arrested two individuals linked to a Pakistani agent network, uncovering a WhatsApp OTP scheme. Two Arrested in Bihar for Alleged Links to Pakistani Agent Network
Allegations of Voter List Manipulation in Bihar Spark Controversy
RJD leader Mangni Lal Mandal accuses the Election Commission of mass voter removals in Bihar, raising concerns over democratic rights. Allegations of Voter List Manipulation in Bihar Spark Controversy
Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Wins First Seat In Bihar Upper House
Of the eight Bihar Legislative Council seats that went to polls, the state's ruling NDA appears set to win five seats, two went to Independents and one to Jan Suraaj, which won a seat in the assembly in the recently concluded bye-elections.
NDA wins 3 Karnataka MLC seats, leads on 4th; Jan Suraaj ahead on 1 in Bihar
Karnataka gives the NDA three cheers and a fourth seat in sight, while Jan Suraaj is knocking on the door of its first MLC win in Bihar. With counting underway across four states, the trends offer political parties an early pulse check ahead of bigger electoral battles.
GMC intensifies cleanliness and renovation drive before Chhath
Police file chargesheet against seven in Jamui minor harassment case
